Cold Air Intake for Dodge Charger/Challenger RT & SRT-8 (2006-2010) Hemi 5.7L / 6.1L V8 Engines

The Wrench Time

• Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
• Difficulty: 2/10 - A very straightforward bolt-on for the LX/LC platform, but requires a delicate touch when handling the factory Hemi electronics.

Tools You Will Need

• 8mm socket or 5/16 nut driver (For hose clamps and throttle body coupler)
• 10mm socket and ratchet (For the factory airbox mounting bolt and battery terminal)
• 13mm socket (For securing the aftermarket heat shield to the fender core support)
• Panel popper tool or flathead screwdriver (To release the IAT sensor wiring harness clip)
• A drop of silicone spray or soapy water (Crucial for safely transferring the factory sensor)

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part

1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench to prevent check engine lights and reset the ECU. This is standard protocol for your 2006-2010 Dodge Challenger Charger 5.7L 6.1L.
2. Remove the Engine Cover: Grab the factory Hemi engine cover by the front edges and pull straight up to pop it off the ball studs. Set it safely aside.
3. Unplug the IAT Sensor: Locate the IAT sensor on the factory plastic intake tube. Slide the red locking tab back, press the release clip, and disconnect the wiring harness. Use a panel popper to free the harness wire tie from the intake tube.
4. Disconnect the PCV Breather: Pull the factory rubber PCV breather hose off the factory airbox resonator. If it’s stubborn, carefully walk it off with a flathead screwdriver.
5. Loosen the Throttle Body (TB) Clamp: Use your 8mm socket to loosen the worm gear clamp securing the factory intake tube to the throttle body.
6. Extract the Factory Airbox: Grab your 10mm socket and remove the single bolt holding the factory airbox to the core support. Once the bolt is out, pull the entire factory intake assembly (box, tube, and resonator) straight up to free it from the bottom alignment prongs.
7. Salvage the IAT Sensor: Very carefully twist and wiggle the IAT sensor out of the factory plastic tube. Set it somewhere safe where it won’t get crushed or contaminated.

Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake

1. Assemble the Heat Shield: Put together the aftermarket heat shield following the manufacturer’s specific hardware layout. Lower it into the engine bay, seating the bottom pegs into the factory rubber grommets, and secure the top to the core support using your 10mm socket or 13mm socket (depending on the supplied hardware). Install the rubber edge trim to seal it against the hood and prevent Hemi heat soak.
2. Mount the Coupler to the Throttle Body: Slide the provided silicone coupler over the throttle body. Slide two T-bolt or worm gear clamps over the coupler. Snug the throttle body side down slightly with an 8mm socket, but leave the other clamp loose for adjustment.
3. Transfer the IAT Sensor: Push the supplied rubber grommet into the pre-drilled hole on your new intake tube. Apply a tiny drop of silicone spray or soapy water to the grommet. Gently push your factory IAT sensor into the grommet, ensuring the sensor tip is exposed inside the airflow path and pointing directly toward the throttle body.
4. Install the Intake Tube: Slide the new intake tube through the heat shield opening, and firmly push the other end into the throttle body coupler. Once perfectly aligned, tighten down both clamps completely using your 8mm socket.
5. Connect the PCV and Filter: Slide the high-flow air filter onto the tube inside the heat shield and tighten the clamp with your 8mm socket. Route the supplied PCV silicone breather hose from the engine block port to the nipple on the new intake tube. (Note: If you are running an oil catch can, route your hoses accordingly).
6. Reconnect and Relearn: Plug the IAT wiring harness back into the sensor and push down the red locking tab. Reconnect your negative battery terminal with a 10mm wrench. CRITICAL: On the very first startup, turn the key, start the engine, and DO NOT touch the gas pedal for at least 20 seconds. Let the engine idle naturally so the ECU can calibrate to the massive increase in airflow entering your 2006-2010 Dodge Challenger Charger 5.7L 6.1L.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 2006-2010 Dodge Challenger Charger 5.7L 6.1L. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.